Free Speech, Hate Speech, or Right Speech?

LA.Shambhala.org/program...; Saffron Revolution in Burma VJ; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly

Free Speech, Hate Speech, Right Speech: Communication in the Age of Social Media: A Conversation with Ven. Ashin Issariya

"The Buddha also made right speech a core principle of the Noble Eightfold Path. He stressed the importance of establishing a gentle and compassionate attitude when interacting with others. However, right speech may also involve more pro-active engagement."

- Ven. Ashin Issariya

In this age of social media, where the right of free speech has seemingly spawned a proliferation in hate speech resulting harmful acts, what can the Buddhist principles of Right Speech teach us about how we can begin to work with our minds, speech, and actions?

How can we promote kind, compassionate, courageous dialogue and communication around difficult subjects and conflicts rather than give into the laziness of aggression and hatred?

Join this special evening with Burmese Theravada monk Ven. Ashin Issariya, whose own courageous speaking out against the hate speech used against Muslim Rohingya in his own country, Burma/Myanmar, is a model of bravery and right action.

• May 1st, Westside Shambhala
• 3877 Grand View Bl., Mar Vista, 90066
• Register for May 1
• $20.00 program, $25.00 patron supporter price* 
• May 2nd, Eagle Rock Shambhala
• 963 Colorado Bl., Eagle Rock, 90041 
• Register for May 2

BIO: Known as “King Zero” for his role as a dissident during Burma’s 2007 Saffron Revolution, Ashin Issariya founded the All Burma Monks Alliance (ABMA) and established a network of Best Friend Libraries to help broaden educational opportunities for Buddhist monks. He spent years in exile in Thailand and now heads Wimoteti Thuka Monastery near the Burma-Thailand border. He is an outspoken opponent of the public hate speech often used against the mainly Muslim Rohingya and other ethnic and religious minority communities in Burma.
 

*The Shambhala Center of Los Angeles remains open because of the ongoing generosity of its community. One of the cornerstone policies is that no one be turned away for lack of funds. If you can’t afford a program, please call our office (323) 255-5472 to register based on what you can afford. At the same time, the Center relies on program revenue to cover costs. For those who are able to pay more than the program price, your generosity in paying the patron price helps cover the costs for others who are not able to pay the full price, and provides additional support to the Shambhala Center of Los Angeles. Thank you for your kindness! More
 

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Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles offers a rich array of ongoing meditation programs free to the public including weekly public sitting meditation hours and dharma talks. No prior meditation experience required to attend.  All are welcome. More